Analysis of impacts of industrial laundry systems on physio-mechanical, thermal and comfort properties of cellulose based bio-product materials

Abstract Denim is a cellulose-based product which is a popular choice for people of all ages in the modern era. There are massive applications of denim in textile goods, household products, medical products, and manufacturing industries. This work aims to determine the effects of industrial washing techniques on various physio-mechanical, thermal, and comfort properties of denim fabric and its seams. Denim made from 100% cellulose-based cotton with a 3/1 twill structure is used for the study. The two seams used are the lapped seam (LSb) and the superimposed seam (SSa). Four industrial washing techniques are used such as rinse wash, enzyme-bleach-stone (less time/30 min) wash, enzyme-bleach-stone (high time/60 min) wash, and acid wash. Fabric strength, seam strength, stiffness, air permeability, water vapor permeability, and thermal conductivity are evaluated according to standard methods. All the tested results are recorded multiple times, and averages are presented. Experimental findings showed that different industrial washing techniques affect various physio-mechanical and thermal properties of cellulosic goods differently. Results also revealed that enzyme-bleach-stone (high time) washed samples show the lowest strength of 432.22 N and 371.13 N in warp and weft direction, respectively, compared to other samples as well as S4 /high time sample shows higher strength loss 64.77% in warp direction and 82.72% in weft direction. Regarding LSb, enzyme-bleach-stone high-time washed samples exhibit the lowest seam strength, 799.80 N and 374.55 N in warp and weft way, respectively, compared to other samples.